City’s best honoured at service awards

NEWS — Janice Yeung perhaps said it best at tonight’s (Thursday’s) annual City of Kamloops Distinguished Service Awards.

The word Kamloops officially translates to “meeting of the waters,” she said in accepting her award, but it really means “meeting of great people.”

She was one of eight of the city’s best who were honoured at the presentation ceremony attended by about 100 people at the Hotel 540.

The recipients come from all walks of life and were recognized for their work on behalf of charities, sports groups and social organizations.

Some were seniors and some were younger; some have been in Kamloops for decades, some for a few years. All have in common a willingness to give back to the community.

In addition to Yeung, there was Jeff Arnold, Charlie Bruce, Edward Erickson, Ray Jolicoeur, Claire Moreau, Andy Philpot and Helen Saemerow.

Mayor Peter Milobar read a summary of each one’s work and presented them with a plaque; then they had their photos taken and received bouquets from members of City council.

As they accepted their awards, they said a few words, giving credit to those who helped them in their work and thanking the community. Most pointed out that there are thousands of other community volunteers who also make Kamloops what it is.

As the official description of the awards states, it goes to “those who, over a period of time, have dedicated their time and service to the well-being of our community and its citizens.”